3.5 stars…..sweet happy ending

Clarity has the life most people dream of having, the only problem is she’s sick to death of it, she is sick and tired of having everything in life handed to her on a silver platter and never having to earn anything. She’s tired of living the life of a princess locked away in an ivory tower looking down on everyone else who is beneath her on the wealthy social ladder. It is at one of these glitzy glamour fests that she snaps and realizes that she has had enough and she decides to escape her gilded cage and make a normal life for herself without her Daddy controlling her and calling all the shots.In her search for independence she quickly learns that being in the real world is hard and each day she is reminded more and more just how sheltered her life has been. But no matter what life throws at her she is determined to stick it out and prove to her family and herself that she can do this and she is determined to find happiness all on her own.

“I want to live a different life, one with meaning. One without rules, standards and etiquette.”

I was amazed at how quickly Clarity established a new life especially given how naive she was, to the point that her naivety was irritating most of the time. It was so hard to believe she was 31 years old yet sometimes had the mentality of a high school girl even though she’s been through college and worked in the corporate world since she graduated.All that being said I was proud of Clarity for making the decision to change and not being afraid to go for what she wanted no matter how much she has to struggle to accomplish her goal.

Mason was AMAZING! Completely swoon worthy, he swoops in to save the damsel in distress and that’s all it takes you’re hooked from that moment on. He is everything CJ has ever dreamed of and she is everything he’s been looking for his whole life. I loved their connection and I loved the genuine caring he showed CJ even when she didn’t want him to care he still did without fail.

“I’ll never let you go, and if you fall; I’ll catch you.”

I would have liked more information and some clarification on a few things like the depth and extent of the relationship between Mason and Sylvia, to me that was left unfinished and with some major questions. I didn’t like the inconstancies in explanations about Olivia I think the author added the last storyline with her as an afterthought but didn’t go back and fix the original conversation to match and in turn made it not make sense but also somewhat make you believe that Mason is untruthful, not to mention it brought nothing to the book itself so it was pretty pointless.The suspense was good and I loved the way it kept you guessing, the end result definitely surprised me. I would love another book with maybe some of the secondary characters.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

When her secretly filmed tryst shows up on the internet, Michelle Alger goes on the run. She has no choice. Not only was her one-night stand the son of a US senator, but he’s been murdered—and she’s the number one suspect. With both the senator and an avenging drug lord on her trail, her life is in danger. There’s only man she can trust. He saved her once, but will he still be her hero six years later?

Captain Jeremy Malone and the rest of Delta Squad have the senator’s order: find the mystery woman who killed my son. But to Jeremy, she’s no mystery. Six years ago his team of Green Berets rescued her from the torturous clutches of a Colombian cartel, and he’s never forgotten her. His personal and covert mission: find Michelle before anyone else. When he and Michelle do meet again, the sparks are explosive and consuming. They’re also dangerous as hell.

Because with each new bit of evidence, Jeremy suspects that Michelle’s innocence may be a ruse—a beautiful trap set by a woman who has even more secrets yet to bare.

Shelly’s 4 Star Review:

Michelle is on the run after she is caught on video leaving the room of the Senator's son who is found brutally murdered. She turns to her hero Cappy who rescued her after she was abducted during college. When Michelle calls Captain Jeremy Malone (Cappy) he shows up to save her again, after all she has haunted his dreams and thoughts after he rescued her Colombian cartel.

Ms. DePaul did a great job of creating a range of characters for this book. They are diverse, dangerous, and intriguing. You have your SCK (according to Michelle) Stone Cold Killers, the alpha males of the Delta Squad, and some interesting female characters who all know how to hold their own. Evan as Michelle battles the terror of her past she has to decide if she can trust Cappy to help her. As the story unfolds Cappy and Michelle battle their attraction with each other, but can they really trust each other or are there secrets that will destroy them.

If you want non stop action with a dose of romance and mystery thrown in then this is the story for you. I did love the fact that it was not an instant fall in bed with each other after Michelle and Cappy meet again. All of the characters lent many layers to the story. Just when you think you know what is coming next there will be a surprise twist. It is the constant action that will keep you reading.

I did not read the first book but did not feel like I needed to while reading this book. I will however be reading that one since this was so great.

Michelle paced the length of the room for the thousandth time. There were exactly eighteen steps from the bathroom door to the sad excuse of a table. Not the biggest rooms here at the OTE.
A long moan drifted through the left wall followed by a slam, then rhythmic banging.
“Oh, God. Yes,” a woman cried. “Give it to me, daddy.”
Whomp. Whomp. Whomp. The cheap picture over the bed rattled with “daddy’s” frantic pace.
Michelle rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Really?” she asked the stained tiles. As if her situation wasn’t bad enough, she now had to listen to a bad porno.
She glanced at the clock. 5:22 p.m.
Her fingertips felt cold. She went to rub her hands together only to find her palms had a thin layer of sweat. How messed up was that? Darn nerves.
For years she had fantasized about this moment. So many versions ranging from innocent to completely far-fetched had captivated her dreams. Only Fate would deliver the version where she was holed up in a seedy motel with Big Daddy providing the sleazy soundtrack.
“Yes! Right there! Harder!”
She tuned out the “Oh-Gods,” and the “That’s-the-spots” and replayed her favorite fantasy. The one where Captain Jeremy Malone sought her out only to find out she had been given a new identity and placed in Witness Protection. Devastated by the government’s unwillingness to tell him where she had been relocated, he made it his personal mission to find her. Though it took years, he finally discovered she became a park ranger in Indianapolis. He immediately requested leave from the military and showed up at her apartment door.
She laughed at her foolish daydreams. Even if the man had hunted her down, then what? Her track record since Colombia had been Michelle, zero; Disaster, every time.
The looks of disgust on her partners’ faces when they saw her body usually killed whatever passion she had been able to muster through the fear and memories. Only one man had seen beyond carnage and made her feel as if it would be okay.
A hoarse shout bled through the thin wall followed by a lot of groaning. Hopefully that signaled the end of “daddy’s” session.
Had she done the right thing calling Cappy? How long had he been in Indianapolis? God, had she been this close to him all this time? What if he’s seen the news? Would he call the police, FBI, Army to tip them off? She started to panic. Oh no. What had she done?
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Michelle jumped at the sound on her door. The blood drained from her face and her heart pounded against her ribcage. No way in this short span of time could it be another drunk with the wrong room. Which meant . . . He’s here. All her insecurities rushed through her brain as she stared at the door. Everything from her thunder-thighs to her lack of makeup and hungover status swamped her.
“Michelle?” a muffled, deep male voice called on the other side. She’d know that intonation anywhere. It slid over her, tightening the knot in her stomach. She rubbed the dancing area and snagged on a button. Jerking her head down, she started cussing. She still had on the ugliest uniform ever. Not one ounce of sexiness could be wrung from the drab olive and gray clothing.
Sweat pooled under her arms, not helping her confidence and—
Wait, what was that? She squinted and dabbed a spot on her shirt. Great. She had on the most god-awful stained uniform ever.
This was so far from her fantasy she could only hang her head. About par for the last twenty-four hours.
Knock. Knock.
“Michelle,” Captain Jeremy Malone said again. “It’s safe to open the door.”
No one shouted “POLICE” or “FBI.” That was a good sign, wasn’t it? Didn’t they have to identify themselves first before entering? That meant he was alone, right?
She threw her shoulders back and strode across the room. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and opened the thin wood.
Holy Cheesus on wheat toast.
How could she not recall how HUGE he was? And that was saying something, since she was considered tall. But he had to be at least a half a foot over her head. Not only tall, but ripped with muscles . . . Like no-way-could-this-exist-in-real-life muscles sprouted beneath a tight T-shirt. Since he had worn a helmet the last time they met, she had never gotten to see he had dark brown hair, buzzed in a military crew-cut. His stance was all business; exuding strength and power and don’t-mess-with-me-cause-I-know-eighty-ways-to-kill-you. But one feature commanded her attention—the same one haunting her for years. His eyes. Those wonderfully expressive deep coffee-colored eyes.
“Cappy.” She shuddered. After so many years of longing, she was finally staring into their depths . . . and he was staring right back.

P.A. DePaul is a multi-genre romance author including paranormal fantasy and romantic suspense. She originally hails from Carroll County and Baltimore County, Maryland, but also lived in Macon and Warner Robins, Georgia. She currently resides in a beautiful community just outside Philadelphia.

There’s no way Nora can ignore the beating. Same heavy boots. Same curses, same pained groans. But that was two years ago, and this a different man, a different part of war-ravaged Sarajevo. This is her second chance. She has to try.

And then she’s stuck with him, nursing him, putting up with him. Declan’s an ass. He’s rude and tactless. He’s arrogant. Dismissive.

Charming. Intense. Caring when she needs it most – and least expects it. He tears away the numbing fog that’s been her constant companion and offers her a way out and a way home.

And it damn near destroys her.

Nora’s survived two years in a war zone. Can Declan show her how to live?

Nora is having flashbacks to the day her fiancé took a beating as she sees the soldiers beating another Declan. She knows that she has to save him. As the doctor fixes him up he won't let go of her hand. As Declan heals Nora takes care of him. He’s rude and tactless. He’s arrogant. Dismissive, but he invades her barriers. Nora doesn't want to feel but Declan makes her. This is a story of a Nora who is left in a war torn area and has not way to escape. Declan is on assignment in the area when he is beaten. After he is healing he is pulled out by his agency. He convinces Nora that she needs to come with him.

This story covers so much. A war torn area that is filled with violence, destruction and heartache. Friends that work together to get what they need to stay alive. Two strangers that become so much more. As Nora learns to trust and love another she see that she can depend on someone to help her.

The setting and characters of this story will keep you turning the pages. Nora is a strong female that has lost everything but continues on. Declan can be rude and arrogant but provides the support that Nora needs at times. Even the secondary characters had unique personalities. The everyday danger of living in the war zone will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

Will love prevail and heal two people? Can they escape the war zone alive? If you want a dangerous, intense, exciting ride then pick up this read.

"I kissed you so if you started mumbling some man’s name in your sleep again, it would be mine." By the way the Irish accent will have you swooning.

AUTHOR BIO:

When she’s not plotting ways to sneak her latest shoe purchase past her partner, Amanda writes sexy, snarky romance and urban fantasy. She likes her heroines smart and unafraid to make mistakes, and her heroes strong enough to take them on.

If she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking hot chocolate, and trying not to destroy her house with her newest DIY project. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and no, it really doesn’t rain that much.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Without You is the first installment in Kelly Elliot's Love Wanted in Texas Series. It is a spin off from her Wanted Series. If you're a fan of the Wanted Series or any of Elliot's books you're going to swoon hard over these stories. They explore the lives of the children of the couples from the Wanted Series.

First up are Will and Alex, Josh's son and Gunner's daughter. They've been sneaking around seeing each other secretly to avoid the inevitable meltdown Gunner will have when he finds out his daughter is dating. These two are smitten with one another and are convinced their connection is deeper than naive young love. However, if they're going to make it to forever, they must overcome the challenges life after high school presents.

I loved this story from start to finish. Like Kelly Elliot's other books, Without You has the perfect balance of drama to romance. It's an overall feel good book that will make you fret over drama and smile all in the same chapter. You easily fall in love with Will and Alex and genuinely root for them to overcome the odds against them. The pressure they face as they try to find their footing in their unfamiliar new surroundings are something every reader can relate to. In a reality where high school sweethearts drift apart more often than not, you find yourself silently begging Kelly to be kind to your feelings and make Will and Alex an exception to the rule. It's so easy to get lost in this fictional world she has created and love every minute of the escape.

If you haven't treated yourself to the amazing adventures that are Kelly Elliot's books, get your hands on them immediately. You're going to love these characters and this little slice of Texas heaven. Without You is just another fantastic read by this author who knows how to weave stories that are both emotional and entertaining. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

I loved you once. A love I thought irrevocable. A love I
mistakenly believed could transcend both time and circumstance. Under the
influence of my dimwitted, naïve, traitorous heart, I became intoxicated with
what I now know was simply a figment of my self-indulgent imagination. So drunk
on the feeling, I couldn’t see what was right in front of my face. So foolishly
enamored, I blindly followed my heart into the depths of an emotion that would
ravage me.

Years later, I know now what I wish I knew then. I am
stronger. Smarter. Tougher. I will not allow myself to be broken again.

I loved you.

I raged for you.

I wept for you.

And now, I’m letting you go.

Author’s Note: Under
the Influence is the journey of two childhood friends that spans the course of
five pivotal years in their lives. It is a story about their discovery of true
friendship as it blossoms into first love, their experience of crucial sacrifice
and ultimate betrayal, and their endurance of agonizing heartbreak on the way
to finding lasting redemption.

There may have been hope for me at one point but now,
as I stare back at the hardened face and vacant eyes in front of me, there’s no
denying the truth. All hope for me was lost years ago, stripped clean from my
mind as they broke me. The life I’m indebted to now is one packed with
corruption and polluted with lies.

I try to breathe in
deeply as I rinse the freshly spilled blood from my hands, but the bitter pang
of disappointment begins to compress my entire chest. It seeps along the
previously etched grooves that line it, burning the hollow channels that were
created with each punch to my stomach and blow to my ribs.

I rarely have these moments of weakness, when I wish I
hadn’t allowed myself to be drawn into the darkened path that is this life. But
right now, I find myself wishing that I had been strong enough to brave my
childhood on my own. That I had been able to fend off the monsters that lurked
in dark rooms and reeked of alcohol, able to protect myself from the multitude
of broken bones and black eyes inflicted by the hands of those who were
supposed to fucking protect me.

But I wasn’t. And now I’m stuck, hopelessly adhered to
a life in which I have chosen to forgo conscience for security.

Little did I know the day I met Darius Roe, I would be
making a deal with the devil. That I would be forever bound to a life from
which there is no escape.

Although I started
out as his lackey, I grew quickly—both physically and within the hierarchy
of his organization—to become his weapon. Not only his muscle, but a tool which has many
uses. His most prized possession.

And now here I am
at eighteen years of age, long since graduated from errand-boy. I watch the
familiar streaks of someone else’s blood swirling around yet another
porcelain sink. Someone who also made a deal with the devil but didn’t deliver on his
end.

I always deliver.

After drying my hands, I curl my fingers over the lip
of the sink and place my palms flat on the cool ceramic surface, silently
watching the reflection in the mirror. Cold, dead eyes stare back at me. Not a
spark of life left in them.

Not anymore.

In fact, the only
bit of humanity I permit myself is that of Spencer Locke. She’s the one thing,
the one person whose mere presence provides some sort of sense of relief from
the constant feeling of asphyxiation that encompasses me.

She is my reprieve.

My air.

Spencer Locke is the one slice of happy I have in this shit pie I call life. Darius Roe
is a ruthless motherfucker.

The two will never cross paths.

I would, with absolutely no hesitation, lay down my
life to make sure that never happens. Spencer’s safety has been and will always be my concern—no, my priority. And in order
to assure that safety remains, she must never know the real me. The cold,
calculated, hardened criminal that I am. She will only know the Dalton Greer I
permit her to know.

Just like everyone else that I come into contact with.

To Rat, I’m the entertaining best friend. To Spencer,
I’m the overprotective big brother. And to Darius, I’m the lethal weapon.

None of them truly know me.

Because the truth
is, there’s nothing more frightening in my world than those who know you—who really know
you. The ones who know your deepest, darkest secrets. The ones who know what
you’re going to do
before you do it. The ones who know not only what buttons to push when they
seek your attention, but also the ones that can be used to completely
incapacitate you.

They can be your strength.

But they can also be your weakness.

And just as a chameleon changes color to blend for protection,
I’ve learned to evolve into the person I need to be in order to survive the
situation at hand, all while keeping people at arm’s length.

Yet sometimes I can’t help but wonder
what my true colors would have been had I not been
subjected to this life. I question what it would be like to just let someone
in, to tell them all of your unforgivable truths and discover they still love
you in return.

I find myself
utterly fascinated, awe-struck even, that there are people actually capable of
truly loving someone without wondering when and how they will be betrayed.
However, the knowledge of their existence also saddens me because the cold
reality is, I will never know that type of love. I will never know the freedom
to just be with someone, without pretense or fabrication, without the
endless lies and untruths.

Maybe that’s why I keep holding onto Spencer when I
know I shouldn’t. When all my instincts scream for me to let her go, to cut
those ties and just let her be.

I can’t.

I’m too selfish.

Therefore, I will plaster on my over-protective,
big-brother face so that I can see her again, just to get my fix on the relief
she provides. And in turn, I will continue the lies.

I will continue telling myself the only reason I insist on my frequent
visitation is because I want to see to her protection.

I will continue convincing myself the things I say to
her are merely pretenses which
accompany my façade.

But in this rare moment, I will also concede that like
a moth to a flame, I’m drawn to her.

To her innocence.

To her kindness.

To her ability to love…

To all the things I wish I was capable of but have
sacrificed in order to survive.

Because just seeing
her demonstrate those capabilities with me and willingly share them with
others, the knowledge that the ability to do so actually exists in a world
outside of mine somehow frees me—no matter how temporarily—from the chains
that bind me here, in this suffocating place.

Yes, Spencer Locke is indeed my air.

I just hope the immorality I’ve chosen to bury deep
within my soul doesn’t one day pollute her very essence.

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L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and
holds a degree in Biomedical Science.
She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years. She lives with her husband and three
daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.